People are more likely to ignore accident prevention signs unless given a reason to obey them, according to a recent study by University of Dayton psychologists.
"The best sign labels a danger and tells you what to do," said Professor Donald J. Polzella, who headed a study of 58 psychology students shown 80 accident prevention signs and asked questions that measured their understanding of and inclination to obey them. According to Polzella:- Signs most likely to be complied with contained a hazard label and instructions - such as, "GASOLINE-NO SMOKING."
- Signs with a hazard label only (for example, "POISON") were recognized as depicting a high degree of danger and likely to be complied with.
- Instructions-only signs (for example, "DO NOT ENTER") were rated least effective.